Vacuum Alternatives for CF Layup

[PathFinder]

So far I've converted two stocks to Rokstok type geometry, and used a plain hand layup with no sort of compression or bagging on both. For those rifles that was ok, but the next one is a Kimber Hunter that is intended to be as light as possible. Stock work will include bedding, a Rambling Rifle style chop on the forend, and Rokstok style geometry in the rear. Both the front and the rear will get two layers of CF once the plastic shell has been moved to its new location and enough material has been removed from it. Any input on using plastic wrap or heat shrink bags along with peel ply to provide compression instead of a vacuum bag?

 

[86indy]

I was told wax paper would give a smooth finish. I haven’t tried it so try a sample before.


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[Ice-kub]

I was told wax paper would give a smooth finish. I haven’t tried it so try a sample before.


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I used wood dowels wrapped in wax paper to do the barrel channel, cf, Peel ply, dowel with wax paper, breather and electrical tape.

 

[RepeatPete]

Here is one that I built that sounds pretty similar to what you’re after. My go-to method ended up being peel ply and breather over the wetted carbon, and then wrapped with electrical tape. I stretched the tape tight which provided good compression, and the thick breather seemed to spread the compression of the tape evenly over the area. Also cheap and easy, and more forgiving of peel ply/breather wrinkles than a vacuum bag.

R

Thread 'Lightweight Kimber Build with Custom Carbon Fiber Stock'

Apr 21, 2024

Time for round 2. Last year I decided to build my own stock and really enjoyed the process. I’m happy with the outcome for a first build, but wanted to try again to tweak some things and build for a different application. The first stock is documented here:

https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/custom-carbon-fiber-stock.322053/

With a good deal on a Kimber from @kad11 and tons of advice and support on all things carbon fiber/stock making from @Gobber I was ready to go again.

This is the starting point: a Kimber Hunter in 6.5 Creedmoor with an 18” barrel. My goal is the...

• RepeatPete
• Replies: 51
• Forum: DIY Gear Modifications

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